Reviewing the government's efforts to promote sport over the past few years, Tsang highlighted the HK$3 billion injected into the Arts and Sport Development Fund, the setting up of a HK$7 billion Elite Athletes Development Fund, and funding of almost HK$250 million for sports associations.

Hopes are high that Hong Kong cyclist Sarah Lee Wai-sze's bronze medal in the women's keirin will inspire more people to take up sport. The last time Hong Kong won an Olympic medal was in 2004.

Meanwhile, Secretary for Home Affairs Tsang Tak-sing left for London yesterday to cheer on Hong Kong athletes who are taking part in the 2012 Paralympic Games.

He also hopes to promote cultural and sporting exchanges between Hong Kong and Britain in a series of meetings before he returns home next Saturday.

On his official blog yesterday, the home affairs secretary took the opportunity to encourage more people to take part in sport.

This article appeared in the South China Morning Post print edition as Athletes' funding will continue, says Tsang